The Lonely NFL Thread (complete with tumbleweeds)

[SlimTrae]

Well, I watched the Super Bowl for the very first time.

I have watched hardly any American Football before, and will freely admit a lot of the rules passed me by. Obviously, the tactical nuances that the commentators were discussion (and the knowledge that a regular watcher of the sport would have) went right over my head!

I really enjoyed it.

Many people seem to compare it with rugby but, as a lifelong rugby aficionado, that’s a lazy comparison, totally different sports as far as I could see. In fact, the only similarity Is the shape - but not the size - of the ball.

As it is a game wholly made up of set piece plays, it really is a tactical and strategic battle, with loads and loads of analysis and planning of the plays. With nearly no ‘open’ play, it’s harder for individual creativity to shine through. That’s not to say that these guys aren’t creative players though, especially the quarterbacks.

The complexity of the plays really impressed me. Really complicated intricate plays as far as I could tell. Some serious training drills and practice goes into those.

The strength and explosive power of some of the players was impressive, their fitness less so. I was surprised to see how bad the kickers were, bearing in mind that it’s all they do. The clear thinking under pressure of the attacking teams was really good.

The defensive guys were huge units, with a very specific and limited skill set. Nobody seemed to be able to tackle properly, and people seemed to simply launch themselves at each other like torpedos. As a newbie, I expected big hits, but there wasn’t any really. Rugby matches seem to have bigger hits, and that’s without helmets etc so no wonder there is a big issue in that game now (I understand American Football are years ahead of rugby in acknowledging brain trauma issues)

That’s my random thoughts on one of the only NFL games I have ever watched on TV .... I know there are a lots of Americans on here, so forgive my ignorance and naivety on which is undoubtedly a complex and nuanced game.

One thing that did strike me was how clean the game was. There didnt seem to be much sly punching, hits or ‘helping’ people to their feet etc. The players didn’t try to steal an extra yard when they went down. I didn’t get the impression that that the players were interested in hurting each other or anything. Very fairly contested and all that. Is that because there are so many cameras?

I will definitely watch some more NFL, I think.

Same with me on Rugby. Don't really understand the rules, but boy I got to admire their stamina! American Football (pro) is so deep in rules, average people would continuously get called for penalties.
Chiefs really got hit with more than they should, well add on about 200 more LOL! That's what a semi pro would do if they got to play in the NFL.

What you saw in Brady is rare. Not supposed to be possible for his age (43) meaning his ability to call that snap and within 2 seconds- he sees EVERYONE ON THE FIELD- & PULL the trigger (throw a punch per boxing at 43 or throw the football per NFL) that response time he has...is special.

For receivers to run specific routes - they will yell something goofy like 23! Blue, Stallion, hut hit HIKE...tells me those guys aren't as dumb as they have to memorize dozens of calls.


10 championships in 20 years means he's gone to the big dance 1/2 his career and won 7! Damn, that is GOAT! Most players dream of making it to 3 or 4 in a 20 year career, think that over!

Only bummer about the game X...was this wasn't supposed to be a shutout by 3rd quarter especially with a 43 yrd old dude running those young guns. This was overall somewhat boring.
Exciting only in that a 43 yrd old...made it look so damn easy.

With a team he was with for a whole single season, screwed over by covid to practice like indepth. He learned THEIR system.
Damn Brady...GOAT!